The Houston High School softball team lost its 2011 season opener 14-4 in five innings Monday at Strafford.
Maddie Vandiver had one of the Lady Tigers’ four hits and scored twice. Taylor Franklin, Olivia Woosley and Belle Knarr each had singles for Houston (0-1).
Strafford, a two-time defending district champion, scored four times in the first inning and six more times in the second to take a commanding 10-0 lead.
Vandiver singled leading off the third and scored on an error.
Hailey Dodson and Vandiver had consecutive walks in the fourth and both scored. Woosley singled and scored in the fifth.
Houston starter Carmen Floyd walked eight batters in the loss.
The Lady Tigers’ home opener is today (Thursday) against Stoutland. They host a four-team invitational on Saturday.
Saturday’s games
Winona vs. Houston, 9 a.m.
Steeleville vs. Bakersfield, 10:30 a.m.
Bakersfield vs. Houston, 1:30 p.m.
Bakersfield vs. Winona, 3 p.m.
Houston vs. Steeleville, 4:30 p.m.